How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?
The best way to reduce the risk for skin cancer is by avoiding exposure to UV radiation, whether it be from an indoor tanning device or natural light. Ultraviolet radiation is a concern all year round, no matter what the weather. Clouds do not offer protection from UV rays and UV rays reflect off sand, water and snow. There are many ways to reduce exposure to UV radiation. Follow these simple steps:
Never use a tanning bed, booth or sun lamp.
Wear a wide brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible.
Wear sunglasses that block both type of UV rays (UVA and UVB). Sunglasses will protect the tender skin around the eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
Use a sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum" with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. SPF 15 blocks out 93% of UV rays, while an SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UV rays.
Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and again after swimming or perspiring.
One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to completely cover the exposed areas of the body.
Avoid direct sun at midday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Follow these tips on cloudy days too! Clouds do not block most UV rays.
What Causes Skin Cancer? NYC New York NY
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). UV rays can come from natural sunlight as well as from indoor tanning devices such as tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps.
Some people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risks include:
Having a lighter natural skin color.
Having a family history of skin cancer.
Having a personal history of skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun through work and play.
Having a history of sunburns, especially early in life.
Having a history of indoor tanning.
Having skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
Blue or green eyes.
Blond or red hair.
Certain types and a large number of moles.
Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). UV rays can come from natural sunlight as well as from indoor tanning devices such as tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps.
Some people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risks include:
Having a lighter natural skin color.
Having a family history of skin cancer.
Having a personal history of skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun through work and play.
Having a history of sunburns, especially early in life.
Having a history of indoor tanning.
Having skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
Blue or green eyes.
Blond or red hair.
Certain types and a large number of moles.
Skin Cancer Treatment - Harvard Medical School NYC New York NY
Prevention & Early Detection
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself and your family from excessive exposure to sunlight — and not only when you go to the beach. Skin cancer prevention should be practiced every day by seeking shade, wearing protective hats and clothing, avoiding the midday sun and tanning beds, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays), even on cloudy days. Look for an SPF of at least 30, and apply two thin coats (about an ounce per application) as part of your daily routine. Be sure to reapply every two hours if swimming or sweating.
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering do not recommend regular screening for non-melanoma skin cancer. However, any suspected skin cancer should be brought to the attention of a physician or dermatologist immediately. Basal cell carcinoma can almost always be cured if detected early, and early treatment minimizes the risk of serious cosmetic damage or functional difficulties.
During a skin examination with a dermatologist, the doctor will usually look at new growths, spots, or bumps on the patient’s skin to determine whether they might be cancerous or precancerous. After the examination, the doctor will show the patient how to examine his or her own skin and determine whether any growths have changed in appearance. Patients may want to pay particular attention to moles that have an asymmetrical shape, an uneven border, more than one color, or appear to be growing. This visual inspection should cover the entire surface of the skin, including places where the sun may not reach, such as the scalp, the soles of the feet, and between the toes
Skin Cancer Prevention NYC New York NY
here are many small changes that everyone, and especially those of us in can make to minimize the chances of developing skin cancer. The most important skin cancer prevention method to put into practice is to keep one’s body as protected from prolonged skin exposure as possible. Individuals who spend a great deal of time outdoors due to their profession or recreational interests are advised to dress appropriately and use plenty of suntan lotion, particularly on the face, head, neck and arms. The use of solar tanning beds increases one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer, so we recommend that these services be avoided.
The treatments available in our dermatology clinic include skin exams, biopsy and photodynamic therapy for small skin cancers. can also provide patients with a referral to a specialist for Mohs surgery when it is appropriate.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options NYC New York NY
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
There are a wide variety of treatment options available depending on the type of skin cancer that a patient has developed and the extent to which it has spread. Treatment options are also influenced by a patient’s gender, general health, personal preference and the outlook for the disease.
The primary skin cancer treatment options for superficial basal and squamous cell cancers are chemotherapy/electrochemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy.
Surgery is the most common treatment route and is used in 90% of all skin cancer cases, particularly cryosurgery (freezing), laser therapy, Mohs micrographic surgery and simple excision.
Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer skills.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is sometimes used in conjunction with electrical pulses.
Photodynamic therapy involves the use of certain types of light and chemicals to kill cancer cells.
Finally, immunotherapy boosts the patient’s immune system in the hope that the body’s natural defenses will hinder the growth of the cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer NYC New York NY
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three different types of skin cancer that most patients present: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell is by far the most common type of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of the diagnosed skin cancers in the United States. Thankfully, it is the also the least serious form of skin cancer, thanks in part to the fact that very rarely spreads from one area of the body to another.
Squamous cell carcinoma is less common and can be considerably more serious, as this form of cancer spreads to a patient’s vital organs in approximately 3 to 5 out of every 100 patients.
Malignant melanoma is relatively rare but can often be quite serious and quickly spread to a patient’s lymph nodes or internal organs.
Precancerous Actinic Keratosis NYC New York NY
Precancerous Actinic Keratosis
In many cases, the symptoms that a patient presents to his or her dermatologist is not skin cancer but actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth that appears as a scaly, crusty growth on a patient’s skin. These growths generally appear in only one area of the body, such as the forehead, scalp, face or hands.
Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent exposure to the sun and often appears in conjunction with other solar skin damage. These growths are classified as premalignant and can usually be diagnosed by a routine skin examination by a doctor, but a biopsy might be performed for larger growths to confirm that the growth is not cancerous. Actinic keratosis can be treated by one of many topical therapies and is often removed by photodynamic treatment or cryosurgery.
Melanoma NYC New York NY
Melanoma starts in the body’s pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes. The areas of the body that are most commonly affected are the skin and the eyes (called ocular melanoma).
Many skin melanomas are thought to occur when ultraviolet (UV) light — both from the sun and from indoor tanning beds or booths — damages the genetic material in the melanocytes. It’s also possible for melanoma to develop in parts of your body not exposed to sunlight, such as the membranes lining your eyes, sinuses, anus, or vagina, though this is relatively rare.
Any person, no matter their skin color, race, ethnicity, gender, or age, can develop melanoma. Knowing the risk factors and early signs of the disease is important because you — not your doctor — will most often notice melanoma first.
Many skin melanomas are thought to occur when ultraviolet (UV) light — both from the sun and from indoor tanning beds or booths — damages the genetic material in the melanocytes. It’s also possible for melanoma to develop in parts of your body not exposed to sunlight, such as the membranes lining your eyes, sinuses, anus, or vagina, though this is relatively rare.
Any person, no matter their skin color, race, ethnicity, gender, or age, can develop melanoma. Knowing the risk factors and early signs of the disease is important because you — not your doctor — will most often notice melanoma first.
What to look for during your self-examination for skin cancer nyc new york ny
You should become familiar with your birthmarks, blemishes, and moles so you know what they look like and can spot changes.
As you examine your skin, look for changes in the size, color, shape, or texture of a mark on your skin.
Signs of skin cancer:
As you examine your skin, look for changes in the size, color, shape, or texture of a mark on your skin.
Signs of skin cancer:
- Sore that never fully heals
- Translucent growth with rolled edges
- Brown or black streak underneath a nail
- Cluster of slow-growing,shiny pink or red lesions
- Waxy-feeling scar
- Flat or slightly depressed lesion that feels hard to the touchPay special attention to moles, especially one that has recently changed, bleeds, or itches.
How to self-examine for signs of skin cancer nyc new york ny
Examining your skin consists of standing in front of a full-length mirror to visually examine your body for signs of skin cancer and using a handheld mirror to view areas that cannot be seen without a second mirror.
It is important to visually inspect your entire body as skin cancer can occur anywhere, not only on areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Be sure to check your back, scalp, underarms, genitalia, palms, soles, and areas between the toes and fingers. When examining your scalp,it may help to systematically part the hair to check the entire scalp.
It is important to visually inspect your entire body as skin cancer can occur anywhere, not only on areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Be sure to check your back, scalp, underarms, genitalia, palms, soles, and areas between the toes and fingers. When examining your scalp,it may help to systematically part the hair to check the entire scalp.
Skin cancer facts nyc new york ny
ore than one million skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States every year. An equal opportunity cancer, skin cancer can affect people of any race, sex or age. In fact, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 29.
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent five-year survival rate if detected and treated early.
One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.
The five-year survival rate for melanoma detected at all stages increased from 82 percent between 1975 and 1977 to 92 percent between 1996 and 2002.
More than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent five-year survival rate if detected and treated early.
One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.
The five-year survival rate for melanoma detected at all stages increased from 82 percent between 1975 and 1977 to 92 percent between 1996 and 2002.
More than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.
Skin cancer types NYC New York NY
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - Most skin cancers are BCC, which develops in the basal cells - the cells that make up the lowest layer of the skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the upper layer of the skin.
Melanoma - Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the upper layer of the skin.
Melanoma - Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color.
Chemical peels for actinic keratoses nyc new york ny
Firstly, an actinic keratosis is not the same as skin cancer. An actinic keratosis is a precancer. Before you do any procedure make sure you have the lesion checked by a board-certified dermatologist. Chemical peels, particularly TCA peels, can be great for treating an area to reduce the frequency of actinic keratoses. Insurance may even pay for this indication.
Signs to watch for skin cancer nyc new york ny
A small 2mm mole without other changes is very unlikely to be a skin cancer or at significant risk to become one. You were correct to insist that the tissue be sent for microscopic examination rather than burning off the mole. Hopefully the biopsy report will be reassuring when it comes back from the dermatopathologist. Please use the ABCDE's as your guide for when to be concerned about moles: Asymmetry; Irregular Borders; black or uneven Colors; Diameter greater than a pencil eraser; and a growth that is Evolving or changing. You can follow the video link below to learn more about identifying the changes in moles that are suspicious for skin cancer.
Efudex may work in 3 weeks nyc new york ny
In my practice we typically use Efudex for 3-4 weeks depending upon how the patient tolerates it. It is not uncommon to stop treatment at 3 weeks and have great results.
Biopsy essential for Melanoma diagnosis nyc new york ny
Absolute definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy. However, there are other reasons to perform the biopsy. The depth of penetration as measured on the biopsy will define the treatment and provide information about the prognosis.
However, a simple clinical diagnosis is often made using the acronym: ABCD
A = Asymmetry: if you divide the lesion in half is one side markedly different from the other?
B = Border; are the borders markedy irregular and ill defined with "bleeding" into the surrounding normal skin?
C = Color: does the lesion seem to be made up of differently colored portions (black, blue, brown, grey, red,etc)?
D = Diameter: is the lesion more than 6mm (1/4") in diameter?
A dermatologist may use more complex criteria based on a process called dermoscopy, which uses light and magnification to evaluate features that are not visible to the naked eye, such as blood vessels and pigment granules.
So to answer your question, biopsy is undeniably and important part of melanoma diagnosis and mangement
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ nyc new york ny
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ are superficial skin cancer that effect the very top layers of the skin. These tumors can sometimes be treated effectively with topical creams, such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, light based treatments like photodynamic therapy, or curettage and electrodesiccation, or a standard surgical excision. When these therapies are used, there is a higher chance of the
skin cancer coming back compared to Mohs. Mohs surgery is designed to spare healthy tissue and minimize the amount of surgery required - that's why it's often recommended for areas like the nose tip and other cosmetically sensitive areas. If you are hesitant about undergoing Mohs surgery, I recommend speaking to your physician to see if one of these alternatives might be right for yo
basal cell cancer treatment nyc new york ny
There are several options for treating basal cell carcinoma including freezing, curretage, aldera cream, and surgical excision (including Mohs excision). Talking with your dermatologist about your options is best. While surgical excision is has the greatest cure rate, fortunately there is time to try other treatments before proceeding to surgical excision if you are concerned.
Basal Cell Carcinoma on Bridge of Nose NYC New York, NY
Although nonsurgical options such as Aldara and Radiation therapy exist, Mohs surgery remains the gold standard for treatment of any well defined skin cancer (BCCA or SCCA) on anatomically sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears. From the stand point of cosmesis and recurrence, Mohs is the better way to go.
Skin cancer treatment nyc new york ny
Curettage and electrodesiccation may be used to treat small basal cell and squamous cell tumors by scraping the tumor with a curette (a surgical instrument shaped like a long spoon) and then using an electric needle to gently burn or “cauterize” the remaining cancer cells and a margin of normal-looking tissue.
Cryosurgery may be used to treat some small primary basal cell and squamous cell tumors as well as a few recurrent lesions. Cryosurgery involves freezing the tumor. The frozen cancer cells are destroyed by the freezing and slough off, allowing the underlying normal skin to heal.
Excision may be used to treat both primary and recurrent tumors by surgically removing the tumor and an area of healthy looking skin (margin) around the tumor. In some cases, the wound does not require treatment and is allowed to heal on its own. When closure is necessary, the wound may be closed with stitches, skin from another area of the body (skin graft), or healthy skin moved from a nearby area (skin flap). After surgery, the excised tissue is examined under a microscope to see if any cancer cells were present in the skin that appeared cancer free.
Laser surgery may be used in certain cases to vaporize superficial and multiple basal cell carcinomas and to excise or destroy squamous cell carcinoma. Laser surgery does not destroy cancer cells found deeper in the skin so close follow-up with a dermatologist is important.
Mohs micrographic surgery involves first removing the visible tumor and then successive layers of skin one at a time until no more cancer cells are shown on microscopic examination. Once skin cancer is no longer visible, the surgical wound is treated as needed. Methods include allowing the wound to heal naturally, closing the wound with stitches, covering the surgical site with skin from another area of the body (skin graft), and moving healthy skin from a nearby area to cover the surgical wound (skin flap).
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